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Google’s Project Suncatcher to put ML infrastructure in space

233 points · 553 comments · xnx

  1. 10xDev · · focus · HN ↗
    And just like that Elon Musk shifted the overton window away from "unthinkable" on yet another topic.
    1. GMoromisato · · focus · HN ↗

        It's physically impossible
  It's technically impossible
  It won't be profitable          <= You are here
  It's bad for the environment
  It needs to be nationalized
      This is just a joke, obviously, but the debate over on ArsTechnica about Falcon 9 going away is all about how it needs to be nationalized.
      1. zactato · · focus · HN ↗
        I think one of the reasons for putting these in space is to move them beyond the borders of any national control.
        1. GMoromisato · · focus · HN ↗
          You can't launch from the US without the federal government giving you permission. And SpaceX does not have (nor are they planning) any launch pads outside the US. [And because of ITAR, I'm not even sure they'd be allowed to build one.]

          However, I do think avoiding local control (state/city permits) is a reason for this.

          1. m4rtink · · focus · HN ↗
            Rocket Lab has launch pads in New Zealand.
          2. ChickeNES · · focus · HN ↗
            > (nor are they planning)

            Not true

        2. edot · · focus · HN ↗
          Surely if this were the reason, you'd just put it in international waters?
        3. tumdum_ · · focus · HN ↗
          What does it matter where physically computers are located? If the owners can be imprisoned in US, the will cooperate with US government.
        4. echoangle · · focus · HN ↗
          As long as the company has a HQ and owners that care about their quality of life, they don’t really gain any extra safety by moving their hardware to space compared to keeping it where they are based.
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